"We definitely encourage people to get there early," Tracy Baskerville says about Baltimore City's Fourth of July fireworks.

Baskerville is the director of communications for the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, which stages the festivities. She stresses arriving early is the best way to avoid the crush of the "50,000 to over 100,000" people that converge downtown for the annual event.

To that end, the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts has planned a slate of activities starting long before the 9:30 p.m. fireworks for people who want to make a day of the Fourth of July. Starting at 4:30 p.m., the three-year-old West Shore Park (at the 400-500 blocks of Light Street) will host Reverb, an a cappella group. At 8 p.m., the U.S. Naval Academy Band Electric Brigade plays, followed by the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show produced by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.

"The Fourth of July is one of those holidays that's very family-oriented. People bring their kids and come out to the Inner Harbor," Baskerville says. "They'll either go to the attractions or they'll just walk around and enjoy the day, especially if it's great weather. People will maybe bring a picnic. And we have all the entertainment right here for anyone that wants to sit and listen to music."

One new attraction this year, Baskerville notes, is that the fireworks display will be accompanied by the Naval Academy's live band, as opposed to prerecorded music. The live accompaniment will be an "added bonus for people who are at the West Shore Park," and will last for the full 18-minute fireworks display.

"The city has been celebrating Fourth of July with fireworks for more than 30 years," Baskerville notes. The audience for the fireworks show, she says, spills throughout the Inner Harbor and downtown.

"It's probably after 6 p.m. when folks start piling in to the Inner Harbor," she says. "We also encourage people to think about public transportation as an option. If you're going to drive, definitely be prepared to pay to park. When there's an event, you can't always find a parking space on the street, so chances are you'll have to go into a garage. So just sort of plan that before you come."

For details, call 1-877-225-8466 or go to www.promotionandarts.com.

Here in Howard County, the Department of Recreation and Parks will stage a 4th of July Festival 5-10 p.m., at the Columbia lakefront (the area surrounding Lake Kittmaqundi in Town Center). This celebration will feature live entertainment on two stages and include carnival games and crafts for kids.

The main stage will feature blues/funk singer-songwriter Damon Foreman at 6 p.m., and boogie woogie pianist Deanna Bogart at 8 p.m. There will also be entertainment for children in the form of the Blue Sky Puppet Theater at 5 p.m., "The Kinderman" at 7 p.m., and magician Wes Holly at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. and will be choreographed to patriotic music. Rain date is July 5. Call 410-313-PARK.

The nearby Baltimore County town of Catonsville also hosts one of the most popular Fourth of July Parades around. Now in its 63rd year, the event runs 9-11 a.m. along Frederick Road in the city's downtown area. The parade will be highlighted by appearance by a Lone Ranger look-alike and Drum Corps Associates world champions the Reading Buccaneers.

Catonsville also holds its own fireworks celebration, which will be held at Catonsville High School starting at 9 p.m. For details, see www.catonsvillecelebrations.org.

More Fourth fun

Beyond the obvious, there are a whole lot of smaller Fourth-related happenings around the area if you know where to look.

The American Visionary Art Museum will hold its annual Visionary Pets Parade starting 10 a.m. (with registration at 9:30 a.m.). Touted as the "best dog-gone parade in town," the parade gives awards to participating pets in a variety of categories. Some of these include best costume, most patriotic, least likely to succeed as a pet and owner/pet look-alikes.

The parade will be followed by a "Pet Talent (Or Not) Show," where each entrant has the opportunity to take the stage and perform a real (or imaginary) trick or talent. The museum is at 800 Key Highway. Call 410-244-1900.

The Baltimore Museum of Industry will host an Independence Day Celebration 6-10 p.m. at 1415 Key Highway. Visitors can get an impressive view of Baltimore's fireworks, take tours of the museum and participate in family-oriented activities. Admission is $50 per car or $5 per person at gate. Call 410-727-4808 ext. 105, or email kjanik@thebmi.org.

The National Aquarium will again hold its Fourth of July Pier Party 7-10 p.m. At this event, patrons can sit outdoors on the Aquarium's dock and view the Inner Harbor fireworks. Visitors can either bring a picnic basket or buy food at the party. Soft drinks will be provided. Entry into the Aquarium will be permitted from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $40 general and $25 for kids ages 3-11. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Reservations are required. Call 410-727-3474.

You can hop on board the USS Constellation for the ninth annual Independence Day Deck Party Picnic 7-10 p.m. at Pier 1 (301 E. Pratt St., in the Inner Harbor). This event lets visitors hang out on the historic vessel while listening to music and enjoying barbecue provided by the Classic Catering People. There will also be cannon firings, tours and an up-close view of fireworks. Admission is $65 general and $25 for kids ages 14 and younger (children younger than 5 are admitted free). Call 410-539-1797.

The Maryland Science Center gets in on the Fourth action with its second annual 4th of July in the Sky celebration 7:30-11:30 p.m. at 601 Light St. The event takes place on the rooftop of the building and gives visitors the chance to enjoy a waterfront view of the fireworks over the Inner Harbor. There will also be an open bar, an "all-American picnic" buffet, disc jockeys and dancing. Tickets start at $65 per person. Call 800-422-7295 or go to www.lindypromo.com.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will again give a performance featuring patriotic songs and fireworks at its Star Spangled Spectacular concerts, Friday-Saturday, July 3-4, 8 p.m., at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville. This popular concert will include renditions of patriotic favorites including Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." Tickets run $9-$18. For details about parking, call 410-783-8000 or visit: www.baltimoresymphony.org.

In Annapolis, an Independence Day Celebration will be held 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the William Paca House (186 Prince George St.). The day starts with a half-hour naturalization ceremony. Visitors can then take tours of the Paca home, hear live musical performances and see a Revolutionary War encampment. There will also be costumed interpreters portraying William Paca and members of his household.

Children can make patriotic crafts, and everyone will have the opportunity to sign their John Hancocks on the Declaration of Independence. Admission is free. Call 410-990-4539.

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